Operations Manager

Application Deadline: 23 June 2020

Background

The Iraq Community Resilience Initiative – Ta’afi (ICRI-Ta’afi) is a United States Agency for International Development Office of Transition Initiatives (USAID/OTI) program implemented by Chemonics International in Iraq. ICRI-Ta’afi aims to increase stability in Iraq by supporting accelerated recovery in conflict-affected areas, improvement of the public’s perception of local leadership and strengthened the social fabric of Iraqi communities.

1.Reporting

The Operations Manager (OM) reports to the Deputy Chief of Party-Operations. The OM supervises the Operations Officer, Operations Associate, Operations Procurement Officer, and Translators.

2.Work Location and Location:

The position is based in Erbil-Iraq. (1) vacancy.

3.Responsibilities

Internal Compliance and Administration:

• Ensures compliance of project activities with USAID regulations, Chemonics’ policies, and the laws of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and the Republic of Iraq.
• Provides oversight of operational agreements/contracts ensuring that they meet contractual requirements, are staying within budget, and meet the business need for managing our office operational processes.
• Reviews existing processes and identifies new ways of achieving project efficiencies without sacrificing compliance. Ensures that systems and tools exist for planning, implementation, tracking, reporting and quality control of the project’s administrative and management systems.
• Coordinates with Operations Procurement Officer to provide written information for procurement negotiation memos and relevant contract documents.
• Performs periodic file audits and informs the DCOP-Operations of any problems or issues arising in this regard.
• Develops monthly financial projections for ongoing operations in coordination with the finance team, DCOP-Operations, and Operations Procurement Officer.
• Ensures that the offices function according to Chemonics systems and practices.

Staff Supervision:

• Provides mentoring, support, and oversight to operations staff including Translators, Operations Officer, Procurement Officer, and Operations Assistant.
• Contributes positively to a work environment that emphasizes teamwork, respect for differences, accepting and giving constructive feedback.
• Communicates advance understanding Chemonics’ culture, values, and practices.
• Ensure that best practices are in use in the management, utilization, and capacity development of local professional and support personnel.

Government Liaison:

• Accompany the Chief of Party and other senior staff to meetings with government officials and facilitate conversations for smooth representation.
• Proactively coordinate and advocate on Chemonics’ behalf with officials to ensure that the desired outcomes of program activities.
• Stay abreast of government requirements applicable to Ta’afi’s work in Iraq to support programs, field management and grants team to ensure compliance.
• Prepare and share regular progress reports with internal stakeholders. Ensure Ta’afi leadership are aware of and understand any concerns of government officials regarding our operations.
• Ensure all correspondence with the government is in line with Chemonics’ policies and records are retained in organized manner.

Other:

• Demonstrates maturity, dependability, integrity, and initiative to learn.
• Maintains and expands professional and technical knowledge by participating in external knowledge sharing and coordination meetings related to operating in the KRG and Federal Iraq
• Coordinates with the management team and other managers to ensure that consistent policies and procedures are understood by all team members and are implemented in an integrated fashion across all areas of operations and management.
• Assist technical and administrative staff to identify needs for technical and administrative assistance, assist in mobilizing such support, and monitor its provision.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor

4.Qualifications

• BA degree in relevant field (such as business, management, public administration, social sciences, international relations, politics, etc.)
• At least 5 years of prior experience in work similar to this SOW. Knowledge of USAID rules and regulations are not required, but a willingness to learn about these regulations is.
• Extensive knowledge of the KRG system of government and administration required; Prior experience serving in public affairs or as a government liaison preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills (e.g., tact, diplomacy, and patience) in the context of dealing with expatriate and local staff members, as well as with project stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, prioritize multiple work assignments in an extremely fast-paced environment, meet deadlines, and to exercise good, professional judgment that communicates the established message of the program
• Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to mentor, supervise, and support staff required.
• Strong working knowledge of MS Word, MS Excel, and other basic computer applications
• Excellent written and spoken Kurdish (Sorani or Badini, English, and Arabic.

5.Equal employment opportunities:

Chemonics is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual

orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an

employee organization, or other non-merit factors

6.Additional Information

• Contract period: 12 Months with possibility of extension
• Salary: The salary of this position falls under band FSN-09
• The selected candidates will be vetted.